ARRA funds aid in the fight against giant perennial grasses that threaten to take over Midewin!
By Michelle Tamez on Jul 7, 2010
Midewin faces a formidable opponent- Phragmites can grow to 18 feet tall and changes wetland ecology!
Contractors go head-to-head with the invasive plants!
The Marsh Master is any superhero�s choice: it is a low-impact amphibious vehicle used to mow in wet areas. Before and after.
In this edition of Midewin vs. Phragmites, ARRA funded contractors arrive on the scene in time to control the invader.
This summer, Midewin NTP hired contractors armed with approved aquatic herbicide to go head-to-head against over 300 acres of Phragmites australis, or common reed. This project was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as part of a nation-wide effort to reduce hazardous fuels and control non-native invasive species. Treated areas include the Vulcan prairie, a heron rookery wetland, Doyle Lake, Blodgett restoration area and several other wetlands around Midewin NTP.
Common reed is a large perennial grass found in wetlands which can grow to a monstrous 18 feet in height! Although some species of Phragmites are native to North America, the introduced subspecies are of great concern; once non-native Phragmites invades a site it can quickly take over a marsh community crowding out native plants and changing marsh hydrology, altering wildlife habitat, and increasing fire potential. Phragmites is a formidable opponent which, given the right conditions, can spread at 16 feet or more per year via horizontal runners.
Two contractors, with a total of 6 workers, were hired to help Midewin subdue these hearty invaders and restore wetlands back to a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Depending on the conditions, the Phragmites was sprayed with herbicide and/or mowed. In wet areas where access was difficult a low-impact amphibious vehicle called the Marsh Master was used to mow the tall grass.
This will be an ongoing battle between Midewin restoration staff and these relentless giant plants. In the near future there will be another round of approved aquatic herbicide to eliminate any individual intruders that were missed or have re-sprouted since the original encounter. Although Phragmites poses a great challenge to prairie ecosystems everywhere, the contractors/heroes of this summer allowed Midewin NTP to take a great step forward in controlling these wetland villains.